Walking Wisely: Aligning Our Lives with God's Will
Summary
In today's exploration of Ephesians 5, we delve into the theme of "Walking Wisely," focusing on understanding and living out God's will. The journey begins with the call to walk intentionally, not carelessly, as wise individuals who align their lives with God's Word. This intentionality extends to maximizing our time, redeeming it for God's glory, and spreading the gospel. The wise, unlike the foolish, know God's will and pursue it from the heart, aligning their desires with God's desires. This understanding of God's will is not just about knowledge but about living a life that pleases God, as seen in Ephesians 5:10.
God's will encompasses several aspects, including repentance, salvation, and sanctification. It is His desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance, as highlighted in 2 Peter 3:9. This repentance is often accompanied by a godly sorrow that leads to salvation, as described in 2 Corinthians 7:10. Furthermore, God's will involves our sanctification, a process of growing in holiness and resisting sin, particularly sexual immorality, as emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Walking wisely also means being filled with the Spirit rather than being influenced by worldly substances like alcohol. Drunkenness leads to dissipation and reckless living, while being Spirit-filled leads to a life of joy, obedience, and soul satisfaction. The Spirit-filled life is characterized by speaking, singing, thanking, and submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. This stands in contrast to the chaotic and unbiblical practices seen in some charismatic movements, which equate spiritual experiences with emotional highs.
Ultimately, walking wisely is about aligning our will with God's will, allowing His Word to transform us from the inside out. It involves a commitment to live intentionally, maximize our time, and pursue God's will with all our heart. This journey is not about chasing emotional experiences but about a steady, self-controlled walk with Christ, marked by obedience and a deep desire to please God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Intentional Living: Walking wisely involves intentionality in every aspect of life, from our thoughts and words to our actions and decisions. This intentionality is rooted in aligning our lives with God's Word, ensuring that we live purposefully and not carelessly. [02:42]
2. Understanding God's Will: The wise know and pursue God's will, which involves aligning our desires with His desires. This understanding is not just intellectual but is lived out in a way that pleases God, as seen in Ephesians 5:10. [04:26]
3. Repentance and Sanctification: God's will includes our repentance and sanctification. Repentance involves a godly sorrow that leads to salvation, while sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in holiness and resisting sin. [08:11]
4. Spirit-Filled Living: Being filled with the Spirit leads to a life of joy, obedience, and soul satisfaction. This stands in contrast to being influenced by worldly substances like alcohol, which lead to dissipation and reckless living. [19:36]
5. Biblical Worldview of Suffering: Suffering is part of God's will and should not be seen as a sign of being outside His will. A biblical worldview recognizes that suffering can lead to growth and deeper reliance on God. [20:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:42] - The Wise Know God's Will
- [04:26] - Aligning Desires with God's Will
- [06:07] - God's Will and Time Management
- [08:11] - Repentance and Salvation
- [09:51] - Sorrow Leading to Repentance
- [10:52] - Confession and Walking Closely with God
- [12:37] - Sanctification as God's Will
- [15:07] - Importance of Knowing God's Will
- [17:04] - The Role of Obedience
- [19:36] - Suffering as Part of God's Will
- [20:36] - Biblical View of Suffering
- [22:16] - Personal Obedience and Satisfaction
- [23:48] - Avoiding Drunkenness
- [25:44] - Spirit-Filled Living vs. Worldly Influences
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking Wisely
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:15-21
- 2 Peter 3:9
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 5:15-16, what does it mean to walk wisely, and how does this relate to the use of our time? [02:42]
2. In the sermon, what are the characteristics of a Spirit-filled life as opposed to a life influenced by worldly substances like alcohol? [23:48]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between understanding God's will and living a life that pleases Him? [06:07]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of repentance leading to salvation, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:10? [08:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the connection between intentional living and aligning one's life with God's Word? What practical steps are suggested for achieving this alignment? [04:26]
2. The sermon mentions that suffering is part of God's will. How does this perspective change the way one might view personal hardships? [19:36]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of self-control in living a Spirit-filled life, and how does this contrast with the pursuit of emotional highs? [39:09]
4. How does the sermon interpret the biblical view of sanctification, and what role does resisting sin play in this process? [12:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there areas where you might be living carelessly rather than intentionally? What changes can you make to align your actions more closely with God's Word? [02:42]
2. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you seek to understand and align with God's will in that decision? What might you do differently next time to ensure your desires align with His? [06:07]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel godly sorrow? How can you turn this sorrow into a step toward repentance and spiritual growth? [08:11]
4. Think about a time when you faced suffering. How did you perceive God's role in that situation? How might a biblical worldview of suffering help you to grow and rely more deeply on God? [19:36]
5. Evaluate your influences. Are there worldly substances or distractions that might be hindering your ability to live a Spirit-filled life? What steps can you take to minimize these influences? [23:48]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of self-control. Identify a specific area where you struggle with self-control. What practical strategies can you implement to cultivate this fruit of the Spirit in your life? [39:09]
7. How can you incorporate more intentional acts of speaking, singing, thanking, and submitting to others in your daily life as a reflection of being Spirit-filled? [41:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Living: Aligning Life with God's Word
Walking wisely requires intentionality in every aspect of life, from our thoughts and words to our actions and decisions. This intentionality is rooted in aligning our lives with God's Word, ensuring that we live purposefully and not carelessly. It involves a conscious effort to evaluate how we spend our time and resources, making sure that they are used for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. By living intentionally, we can avoid the pitfalls of a careless life and instead walk in wisdom, making the most of every opportunity to reflect Christ in our daily interactions. [02:42]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional in aligning with God's Word today? How can you start making changes in that area?
Day 2: Understanding God's Will: Aligning Desires with His
The wise know and pursue God's will, which involves aligning our desires with His desires. This understanding is not just intellectual but is lived out in a way that pleases God, as seen in Ephesians 5:10. Knowing God's will requires a deep relationship with Him, cultivated through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and obedience. It is about seeking His guidance in every decision and allowing His Spirit to lead us. By aligning our desires with God's, we can live a life that is not only fulfilling but also glorifying to Him. [04:26]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What desires in your life need to be aligned with God's will? How can you begin to seek His guidance in these areas today?
Day 3: Repentance and Sanctification: Growing in Holiness
God's will includes our repentance and sanctification. Repentance involves a godly sorrow that leads to salvation, while sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in holiness and resisting sin. This journey of sanctification is marked by a continual turning away from sin and a turning towards God, allowing His Spirit to transform us. It is a daily commitment to live a life that reflects Christ's character, resisting the temptations of the world and pursuing righteousness. By embracing repentance and sanctification, we can experience the fullness of life that God desires for us. [08:11]
2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."
Reflection: Is there a sin or habit in your life that you need to repent of today? How can you take a step towards sanctification in this area?
Day 4: Spirit-Filled Living: Joy and Obedience
Being filled with the Spirit leads to a life of joy, obedience, and soul satisfaction. This stands in contrast to being influenced by worldly substances like alcohol, which lead to dissipation and reckless living. A Spirit-filled life is characterized by speaking, singing, thanking, and submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, resulting in a life that is marked by peace, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. By choosing to be filled with the Spirit, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. [19:36]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you today? What changes might you see in your life as a result?
Day 5: Biblical Worldview of Suffering: Growth Through Trials
Suffering is part of God's will and should not be seen as a sign of being outside His will. A biblical worldview recognizes that suffering can lead to growth and deeper reliance on God. It is through trials and challenges that our faith is tested and refined, producing perseverance and character. By embracing a biblical perspective on suffering, we can find hope and strength in the midst of difficulties, knowing that God is using them for our good and His glory. [20:36]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you view a current trial in your life through a biblical lens? What might God be teaching you through this experience?
Quotes
"And so if you was to be very careful how you walk, then that means you're going to be intentional in the steps that you take. So point number 1 is that the wise walk intentionally, not carelessly. Not flippantly. And you know that as Paul has opened up this large subject of how to walk, it means how you think, how you talk, how you live, what decisions you make. It's a wide variety of metaphoric ideas on how you walk. And so we are very intentional in that, not careless." [00:02:30] (29 seconds)
"The wise know God's will. Fools do not know God's will, but the wise do. And so in verse 17, the Bible says, So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And so if you say that verse in reverse, the foolish do not know God's will, but those who are wise do. In fact, if you forward down to chapter 6 and verse 6, you will see that even we are to do God's will from the heart." [00:02:42] (33 seconds)
"And so God's will for us, conceptually, is parallel with verse 10. Look with verse 10 with me in Ephesians chapter 5. Verse 10 says, It's trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. If you are apprehending and comprehending and ascertaining what God's will is, it is also that which is going to be pleasing unto. And so these two ideas are parallel. If you know God's will and you do it, then you're pleasing God. And what pleases God is God's will for your life." [00:05:33] (34 seconds)
"God's will is not for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Okay? 2 Peter 3 and verse 9. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient towards you. Not wishing, or the legacy translation says willing. Not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Repent and believe the gospel, Mark 1 15. The Bible says in Luke chapter 13 verse 3, unless you repent, you shall likewise perish." [00:07:11] (39 seconds)
"And so, if you are headed towards drinking and drunkenness, you are heading in the opposite direction for which Paul is prodding and pushing. And so, drinking leads to more drinking, which leads to drunkenness. That's that path. Paul is putting the path in opposition and saying, head this way. And this is going to be your soul satisfaction. This is going to be where the best learning is, the best obedience is, the best joy is." [00:25:44] (30 seconds)
"And so to be filled with the Spirit is a walk. It's not chasing a mountaintop experience where you're like, trying to get some type of climactic, drunk -like experience in life. We are to be self -controlled, biblical, walking in Christ, walking in the Lord. Self -control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. And so this means that Christians are not chasing some type of high, getting high on Christ or drunk in the Spirit. This is not biblical, but it's out there. It's everywhere." [00:38:35] (35 seconds)
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